Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced financial assistance of Rs500,000 for each of the three individuals injured in the recent lion attack in Lahore.
The attack occurred in Johar Town when a lion, kept illegally at a private farmhouse in the Shah Di Khoi area, leaped over a wall and mauled passersby. A woman and two children were injured; both children are currently being treated at a local hospital.
Responding promptly to the incident, CM Maryam Nawaz ordered the provincial government to provide financial support to all three victims.
Following the incident, the Punjab Wildlife Department launched a province-wide operation targeting the illegal ownership of dangerous wild animals. During the crackdown, authorities confiscated 18 lions from different cities and arrested five individuals. Five First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed, and investigations were launched in two additional cases.
The largest raid took place on July 5 in Lahore, where Punjab Wildlife Director General Mubeen Elahi led a team to a private breeding facility on Bedian Road. The operation resulted in the seizure of five lions—three males and two females.
Overall, nine lions were seized in Lahore alone. Four people were arrested, one private enclosure was sealed, and three FIRs were registered as part of the operation.
In a significant policy move, the Punjab government earlier announced plans to regulate the possession of big cats by enforcing the sterilisation of privately owned lions, tigers, leopards, and similar species. A ban on the commercial buying and selling of these animals will also be introduced in phases.
In an interview with Express News, DG Mubeen Elahi stated that this is the first time Punjab is implementing a structured policy to control private big cat ownership.
Owners were given until May 2 to declare their animals. So far, 180 registered wildlife breeding farms have submitted declarations, with verification ongoing. As of now, 40 facilities have been successfully verified.
